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A DAY IN 
WILLIAMSTOWN 

Guide for Visitors 

M. E. SHERMAN 




WILLIAMSTOWN. MASSACHUSETTS 

THE FORGET-ME-NOT SHOP 

19 15 




("(.pyri^'hted 1!)1,5 by M . E. ShtTman 




1 



CONTENTS 



43 



Alpha Delta Phi 

Alpine Club 

Bardwell House 

Beta Theta Pi 

Bee Hill 

Bennington, Battle of. . 

Berkshire Hall 

Berkshire Quadrangle "i-i 

Berkshire Street Railway ... 1 1, 

Beta Theta Pi ' 

Broad Brook 

Bryant, William Cullen.-^a, 43 

Cemetery, College 

Cemetery, Eastlawn 

Cemetery, Westlawn 

Chapel Exercises 

Chi Psi 

Church, Congregational. .. .34 

Church, Episcopal 

Clark Hall 31 

Cold Spring Road 43 

College life in the early days. . . 

Commencement, First 

Consumption Hill 

Currier^ Hall ■il 

Delta Kappa Epsilon 

Delta Psi 

Delta Upsilon 

East College •22-53, 

Eaton, Amos 

Faculty Club 

Fayerweather Hall 

Field, Cvrus W 5. 

Field, David Dudley 

Field, Eugene 

Field Park 5,41 

Forget-me-not Shop 11, "i^. 

Fort Hoosac Place 

Fort Massachusetts 

Free School 

Garfield, Harrv A., Induction of. 

Garfield, James A 17, 

Gargoyle 28 

Glen Street 42 

Golf Club 

Goodrich Hall 24 

Grace Hall 34,36,37,38 

Green River Road 

Greylock Hotel 40 

Greylock Mountain 43 

Griffin Hall 11-12, 

Griffin, Rev. Edward Dorr.. 11, 

Hall, Charles Cuthbert 

Hawthorne, Nathaniel 



58, 



Haystack Monument 

37, 45, 57 

Hopkins Hall 

Hopkins, President Henrv...l4 

Hopkins, Prof. Albert. . . " 

Houses, Interesting old. .46. 47, 

Infirmary 

Jesup Hall 

Kappa Alpha Lodge 42- 

Lasell Gymnasium 25 

Library (Lawrence Hall) 

Main Street 5, 40, 

Mission Park 

Morgan Hall 25 

Observatory 

Old Customs at Williams College 

Park Street 

Perry's Elm 

Petersburg Mountain 

Phi Delta Theta 

Phi Gamma Delta 

Phi Sigma Kappa 

Pilgrim Inn 

President'.s House 39- 

Presidents of Williams College. . 

Psi Upsilon 

Royal Purple 

Sand Springs 

Sayre Residence 

Sherman Homestead 

Sigma Phi 33, 34, 

Smedley House 

Soldiers' Monument 

Songs of Williams 

Spring Street 25- 

Stetson Place 

Stone Hill Road 

Theta Delta Chi 

Thompson Laboratories 

Thompson Memorial Chapel. 14- 
Trustees of Williams College... 

West College 28-29, 53, 

Weston Field 26. 52- 

White Oaks 

Williams Alumni 22, 

Williams, Colonel Ephraim 

5, 6, 14, 

Williams Inn 

Williamstown and Williams Col- 
lege, Location of 

Williamstown, Tour of 

Zeta Psi 



59 
34 
16 
22 
48 
40 
26 
53 
-53 
.24 
41 
.37 
-53 
.22 
56 
39 
.5 
42 
41 
46 
44 
43 
45 
.8 
40 
51 
49 
42 
47 
44 
46 
11 
60 
34 
41 
46 
40 
26 
53 
.9 
55 

49 
50 

24 
32 



CI.A401213 

JUN3 1915 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



WILLIAMSTOWN is situated in a beautiful valley 
with the Hoosac mountains on the east, the 
Greylock range on the south, the Taconics on 
the west, and the Green mountains on the north. 

Williamstown and Williams College both derive their 
names from Colonel Ephraim Williams, who was com- 
mander of Fort Massachusetts and the founder of Wil- 
liams College. In his will he appropriated certain lands 
to be sold and the money used "towards the support and 
maintenance of a free school (in a township west of Fort 
Massachusetts commonly called the West Township) 
forever, provided the said tow^nship fall within the juris- 
diction of the province of the Massachusetts Bay and 
•provided also that the Governor and General Court give 
the said township the name of Williamstown." 

The town was incorporated under this name in 1765. 
Previous to that time it had been known as West Hoosac. 
The main street of the town is fifteen rods wide, 
adorned by beautiful lawns and shade trees. About the 
year 1874 Cyrus W. Field presented the town with the 
sum of five thousand dollars to be used in grading 
and beautifying the streets, providing that all fences 
should be removed. In memory of his generosity "the 
square" at the upper end of Main street was named Field 
Memorial Park. 

The first actual settlers in the town were soldiers from 
Fort Massachusetts, which was situated on the Hoosac 
river near North Adams. The site of this fort is marked 
with an elm tree, planted by the late Prof. A. L. Perry, 
and known as "Perry's elm." There, also, has been 
erected a flag pole from which float the stars and stripes. 
The site of this fort is visible from the highway and electric 
cars. 



Page five 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



Colonel Ephraim Williams was born in Newton, 
Mass., March 7th, 1715. At the outbreak of the French 
and Indian war he was stationed at Fort Massachusetts, 
as commander of the northern defenses of the Province. 
In 1755, as colonel, he marched with his regiment to Al- 
bany to join Sir William Johnson's expedition to Crown 
Point. He was killed while reconnoitering near the south- 
ern extremity of Lake George, on Sept. 8th, 1755. In 1855 
the Williams alumni erected a monument to his memory 
near the spot where he fell. 

Colonel Williams left no direct descendants and there 
is no known portrait of him in existence. 



Page six 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



THE PRESIDENTS OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE 

KEY. EBENEZER FITCH, D.D., 1793-1815 
REY. ZEPHAXIAH SWIFT MOORE, D.D., 1815-1821 
REY. EDWARD DORR GRIFFIN, D.D., 1821-1836 
REY. MARK HOPKINS, D.D., LL.D., 1836-1872 
HON. PAUL ANSEL CHADBOURNE, D.D.. LL.D., 

1872-1881 
FRANKLIN CARTER, Ph.D., LL.D., 1881-1901 
JOHN HASKELL HEWITT, LL.D., Acting President, 

1901-1902 
REY. HENRY HOPKINS, D.D., LL.D., 1902-1908 
HARRY AUCxUSTUS GARFIELD, LL.D., 1908- 



Page eight 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWX 



TRUSTEES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE 



HARRY AUGUSTUS GARFIELD. LL.D. 

President 

FRANCIS LYXDE STETSON, LL.D., New York, N. Y. 

HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE, L.H.D., LL.D., New 

York, N. Y. 
EUGENE DELANO, M.A., New York, N. Y. 
HON. JAMES ROBERT DUNBAR, B.A., Brookline 
BENTLEY WIRT WARREN, B.A., Boston 
REV. HARRY PINNEO DEWEY, D.D., Minneapolis. 

Minn. 
PRESIDENT HENRY LEFAVOUR, Ph.D., LL.D., 

Boston 
PROFESSOR BLISS PERRY, L.H.D., Litt.D., LL.D., 

Boston 
CHARLES SUMNER HOLT, B.A., Chicago, III. 
HON. CLARK WILLIAMS, B.A., New York, N. Y. 
SOLOMON BULKLEY GRIFFIN, L.H.D., Springfield 
FREDERICK BEACH JENNINGS, M.A., New York, 

N. Y. 
VERY REV. WILLIAM MERCER GROSVENOR. D.D. 

New York, N. Y. 
ROBERT RAMSEY, M.A., Cincinnati, Ohio. 
HON. WINTHROP MURRAY CRANE, LL.D., Dalton 
CHARLES THADDEUS TERRY, LL.B., N\nv York, 

N. Y. 

Pofje nine 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



Williams College was opened as a free school in 1791. 
Six months later the trustees sent a petition to the state 
legislature asking for a college charter, which was granted 
June 22nd, 1793. The following October the College was 
opened with twenty-five students. Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, 
D.D., who had been principal of the Academy was made 
president of the College. 

The first commencement exercises were held Sept. 
2nd, 1795, in the "old meeting-house on the square." 

The first college catalogue was issued in the fall of 
1795, and contained the names of seventy-five students. 



For the purpose of making an imaginary tour of the 
town and helping the stranger to locate various streets and 
buildings, we will suppose that one has arrived in ^Yil- 
liamstown by the Berkshire street railway line, which 
terminates at the corner of Main and South worth street, 
just below The Forget-me-not Shop. 

Starting at this point and going up the north side of 
Main street, we climb Consumption Hill, so named by 
the students in the days of Dr. Griffin, when a great many 
of them lived below the hill. There is a story about one 
who wished to be excused from chapel service or for tardi- 
ness in arriving at the service, because he had weak lungs 
and could not climb the hill easily. Dr. Griffin replied 
that "climbing the hill was the very best thing to eradicate 
any signs of consumption." For a time it was called 
Griffin's Consumption, afterwards. Consumption Hill. 

The Soldiers' Monument at the summit of Consump- 
tion Hill was erected by the College alumni in 1869, in 
memory of the students who enlisted in the Civil war and 
were killed in battle. 

Near the Soldiers' Monument stands (Jriffin Hall, 
built in 1828, under the personal direction of President 

Page eleven 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWX 



GriflSn. He raised the money necessary for its erection 
by circulating a subscription paper, headed by his own 
contribution of one thousand dollars. It is thought that 
he drafted the plans for the building, and it is known that 
the copper balls and weather-vane were fastened in posi- 
tion under his direction. He stood across the street near 
old East College, and guided the workmen by motions of 
his hand, until each was in proper position, when at his 
word all was made secure. 

Griffin Hall was remodelled in 1904, a central colonial 
doorway replacing the two single ones that were on each 
side of the front of the building. It was also moved back 
many feet from its original site, and to-day stands as one 
of the finest buildings on the campus. On the ground 
floor to the left of the entrance is a large reading room in 
which are kept the reference books for the various history 
and government courses. This room was the chapel of 
the college from 1828 to 1859. The large window under 
which the desk stood, has been kept intact. On either 
side are the tablets to the memory of Colonel Ephraim 
Williams and Woodbridge Little, a trustee in 1785. These 
were formerly set in the wall of this room. The window 
has been called "the finest architectural feature on the 
campus." 

The Thompson Memorial Chapel is the gift of Mrs. 
Mary Clark Thompson in memory of her husband, Fred- 
erick Ferris Thompson, who died in 1899. The corner 
stone was laid in 1903, and the chapel was dedicated 
June 21st, 1905. President Henry Hopkins presided at 
both services. 

The architecture is that of the "English parish church 
of the Perpendicular Gothic style, as revived by the elder 

Page fourteen 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




THOMPSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL 

Pugin and his associates toward the middle of the 19th 
century." 

The tower is 150 feet high, a reproduction of St. Cuth- 
bert's tower at Wells, England, and is the most conspicu- 
ous feature of the campus. 

Above the tower entrance stands the figure of Hope 
with uplifted hand, pointing to the sky. Within is the 
following inscription: 

"Brethren Alumni, Fellow Students, Fellow Citizens: 
— we are here gathered to lay the corner stone of an 
edifice that is to be sacred to the worship of Almighty God; 
to the teaching of Christian truth, and to the joyful meeting 
of man with man, as sons of the common Father of us all. 
It is to be reared and is to .stand, as a majestic and enduring 
symbol of the democratic Catholic faith of Williams College. 

Page fifteen 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



In accepting this gift we declare anew our belief that 
an education in which the religious nature is ignored can- 
not produce the highest type of man. We thus re-assert 
that the citizen whom the public needs and the leader 
whom the public must have, is the man who fears and 
loves God, and keeps His commandments. 

We here record in imperishable stone our unalterable 
conviction that the highest education must always be 
carried on in the light and warmth of those great truths 
which make our Holy religion immortal. 

President Henry Hopkins, June 23rd, 1903." 

The Frederick Ferris Thompson memorial window 
illustrates the text: "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch 
as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my breth- 
ren, ye have done it unto me." The three central lights 
show Little Children, The Crippled, The Poor and Sor- 
rowful. Beneath the window there is an inscription which 
reads as follows: "Erected to the Glory of God, and in 
memory of Frederick Ferris Thompson. Anno Domini 
MCMIII." 

On the south wall of the east transept is a window in 
memory of Albert Hopkins, Professor of Astronomy from 
1838 to 1872. The inscription reads: "The Heavens de- 
clare the Glory of God, and the firmament showeth forth 
His handywork. They that turn many to righteousness 
shall shine as the stars for ever and ever." This window is 
of Tiffany glass, and was given by Charles Augustus Davi- 
son, class of 1845, and Abraham VanWyck VanVechten, 
class of 1847. It was set up in the old chapel in 1881, 
and removed to the Thompson Chapel in 1905. 

The Garfield memorial window on the south wall of 
the west transept was designed by the artist LaFarge. 

Page sixteen 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



" 


1 




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INTERIOR OF THOMPSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL 

This window also adorned the old chapel and when 
transferred was surrounded with new setting to correspond 
to the other windows of the chapel. It represents 
Moses at that moment in his career when the angel 
of the Lord brings him into a high mountain in the wilder- 
ness and shows him the Promised Land. Below is a me- 
dallion portrait of President Garfield. The inscription 
reads: — "James Abram Garfield twentieth president of 
the United States, born November 19th, 1831, died Sep- 
tember 9th, 1881. In memory of his services to the 
country, — a scholar, a soldier and statesman, and in token 
of the universal love and sympathy called forth by his 
protracted suffering and untimely death, this window was 
placed in the chapel of his Alma Mater by his friend, Cyrus 
W. Field." 

Page seventeen 



A DAY IX ^YILLIAMSTO\VX 



The east transept window illustrates the Natural 
Forces — Man rejoicing in the midst of created things. 
Beginning at the left the lights show in order: Electricity, 
Motion, Heat, and Light. The inscription reads: "The 
earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." 

The theme of the west transept window is the preach- 
ing of the gospel, and sending forth missionaries to the 
people of all the world. In the central light of the upper 
row is a representation of Christ the Redeemer, giving the 
Mission to His followers to preach His Word to all nations. 
The commission is inscribed upon the scroll held by the 
angel, and passing through the five upper lights along the 
base of the same. The other lights of the window are de- 
voted to the representations of the Apostles, who went 
forth in fulfillment of the Divine Command. In the top 
row, commencing at the left, the following characters are 
represented: 1 — James the Major, with the Pilgrim's staff, 
the Apostle to Spain. Philip, who preached the Gospel 
in Phrygia, with a staff surmounted with a small cross. 
2 — Peter, with his emblem, the keys; for Antioch. 3 — An- 
drew, with the X shaped cross, the symbol of his martyr- 
dom; for that part of the world which is now known as 
Russia. 4 — ^Paul, carrying the sword, the instrument of 
his martyrdom, the Apostle to Greece. Barnabas, who 
is believed to have taught Christianity to the Romans. 
5 — Thomas, with the carpenter's rule, who carried the 
Gospel to Carthage. James Minor, with the fuller's club, 
who in particular was the apostle to Jerusalem. 

In the lower row are the following: 1 — Bartholomew, 
with his emblem, the butcher's knife, the Apostle to 
India. Patrick, for Ireland, holding in his right hand the 
Gospel and the cross; in his left, the shamrock. 2 — Den- 
is, the Apostle to France, holding in his right hand the 

Page eighteen 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



Gospel. Boniface, the apostle to the Germans, holding 
his emblem, the sword piercing the Gospel. 3 — Augustine 
of Canterbury: one figure was used in this light in order 
to emphasize the fact that the one represented therein was 
the Apostle to the English speaking world. 4 — Olaf, for 
Norway. Columba for Scotland. 5 — Francis of Assisi, 
who attempted to propagate the Gospel in Morocco; fail- 
ing in that mission, and returning to Italy, he brought the 
indifferent Christian back to Holy life. David of Wales. 

Windows on the east side of the nave, beginning near 
the transept — 

1st — The King under the new law — Constantine, 
Arthur, Charlemagne. The Orator, John Chrysostom. 
The Missionary, Augustine. The Historian, Venerable Bede. 

2nd — The Teacher — Mark, Matthew, John, Jude, 
Timothy, Titus. 

3rd — The Navigator, Columbus. The Soldier, God- 
frey de Bouillon. The Law-maker, Alfred. The Singer, 
Cecilia. The Artist, Luke. The Poet, Dante. 

4th— The Holy Woman. Martha, Mary, Phoebe, 
Damaris, Lydia, Dorcas. 

Windows on the west side of the nave beginning at the 
transept — 

1st — The King under the old law, — Hezekiah, Solo- 
mon, Josiah. The Musician, — Miriam, David, Tubal- 
Cain. 

2nd — The Ruler — Deborah, Moses, Samuel. The 
Husbandman — Adam, Joseph, Boaz. 

3rd — The Warrior — Joshua, Gideon, Judas. The 
Architect — -Bezaleel, Hiram, Zerubabel. 

4tli — The Prophet — Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel. The 
Shepherd — Abel, Jacob, Isaac. 



Poffe nineteen 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



The windows in the choir are representations of an- 
gels carrying musical instruments. 

Chapel exercises are held every week-day morning 
before recitations begin, and all students are required to be 
present. On Sundays there is a preaching service at 
10:30 a. m., and vespers at .5:30 p. m., attendance being 
compulsory at these services also. The choir is composed 
of students of the college. There is no regular pastor, but 
arrangements are made to have visiting preachers each 
Sunday. The president of the college usually conducts 
the vesper service, and the week-day services are con- 
ducted by members of the faculty. 



Page Uveuty 



A DAY IN ^\ILLIAMSTO^\N 



On the south side of Main street opposite the Forget- 
me-not Shop, are several large dormitories, forming the 
Berkshire quadrangle. The first building near the street 
is Currier Hall, known also as the Commons. It was 
erected in 1908, the gift of Mrs. Lura Currier. The dining 
room accommodates about one hundred and fifty students. 
A large and attractive common room is fitted with easy 
chairs, and tables filled with the latest periodicals. A 
piano is also placed here for the use of the students. In 
this room are hung the portraits of the presidents of ^^ll- 
liams College. 

Here also were placed on Founder's Day, May 6th, 
1915, portraits of Frederick Ferris Thompson, Mrs. Lura 
Currier, Morris K. Jesup, John Stewart Kennedy and Al- 
bert Charles Houghton, benefactors of Williams College. 
The building next to Currier Hall is Berkshire Hall, 
erected in 1905, the gift of \Yilliams alumni, residents of 
Berkshire county. 

The building on the east side of the quadrangle near- 
est the street is East College. On this site in the year 
1797, was erected the second building owned by the Col- 
lege.' It was burned in 1841. The present building was 
erected on the same site in 1842. Fayerweather Hall, 
formerly South College, was built at the same time. The 
doorways of both buildings have been remodelled and the 
interiors repaired, but the general appearance is much the 
same as when built. 

The first observatory erected in this country for as- 
tronomical purposes was built here in 1837, through the 
efforts of Prof. Albert Hopkins. It stands at the further 
end of the quadrangle, in the center of Smedley terrace. 
The second observatory was built some distance from the 

Page tweritii-two 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



campus in an open field at the end of Hoxsey street. It 
was the gift of the Hon. David Dudley Field, class of 1825. 
The Field Memorial Professorship was also endowed by 
him. His only son graduated from Williams in 1850, and 
died in 1880. 

Just beyond the Berkshire quadrangle is Lawrence 
Hall, the main library, erected in 1846. The two wings 
were added to the building in 1890. The donor, Amos 
Lawrence, was not a graduate of Williams College. His 
gifts were prompted by his friendship for President Mark 
Hopkins. 

Many objects of interest are to be seen in the college 
library. Among them is the Keats portrait, painted by 
the English artist, Joseph Severn, for Mrs. John W. Field, 
and by her presented to Williams College in 1891. The 
portrait is placed over the mantel in the east wing of the 
building. The original, of which this is the replica, hangs 
in the National Gallery, London. 

In the west wing of the library is a case containing the 
sword and watch of Colonel Ephraim Williams. Here also 
are his pipe tongs,and silver card case bearing the inscription, 
"Fort Massachusetts, 1750." In the library will also be 
found portraits of many early graduates and benefactors 
of the college. Among them is a painting of Amos Law- 
rence, which hangs in the central part of the building. 

Just beyond the Library is Goodrich Hall, containing 
recitation rooms and a reference library. This building 
was erected in 1859, and formerly known as the Alumni 
Hall Chapel, and used for religious services until 1905. 
Then it was remodelled and named Goodrich Hall. The 
original building bearing this name occupied the site of 
the present chapel. 
Page twenty-fovr 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




MORGAN HALL 

The next building is Lasell Gymnasium, erected in 
1886, the gift of Josiah M. Lasell. It is provided with 
everything necessary for physical development, including 
swimming pool and a running track. The clock in the 
tower was the gift of Frederick Ferris Thompson. 

We now cross Spring street, so named from a spring 
located here which for years furnished the drinking water 
for the people living in the neighborhood. On this street 
are the banks, post office and numerous business places. 

Morgan Hall dormitory stands on the corner of Main 
and Spring streets. It was built in 1882, the gift of E. D. 
Morgan, governor of New York State in 1883. The 
building was damaged by fire in 1904, after which the in- 
terior was reconstructed, fitted with all modern improve- 
ments and made fireproof. 

Page ticenty-five 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



Making a turn to the left after passing Morgan Hall 
we come to Jesup Hall, erected in 1899, the gift of Morris 
K. Jesup. It Avas remodelled in 1908. On the first floor 
are reading and billiard rooms, offices of the Christian .\s- 
sociation and other societies. On the second floor is an 
auditorium where college and class meetings are held. 

Just beyond and facing the campus, are the Thomp- 
son Laboratories, erected in 1893, the gift of Frederick 
Ferris Thompson. The departments of Biology, Chemis- 
try, and Physics are located in these three buildings. Each 
contains a reference library relating to its particular sub- 
ject. 

On the campus in front of these buildings the Gar- 
goyle election and class singing contest take place on May 
30th, after the ball game on Weston Field. 



Page twenUj six 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



"Gargoyle is a self-perpetuating senior society with a 
maximum membership of twenty men, who are chosen 
publicly from the members of the junior class, in full 
standing, after the base ball game on Decoration Day. 
Men are elected to Gargoyle on the basis of the work 
they have done and the spirit they have shown in behalf 
of the college. This honor is conferred every year upon 
some men who have not actually won places on teams or 
editorial boards, but who have worked hard and consist- 
ently. On entering college every freshman has an equal 
chance to win this distinction. Gargoyle has for its ob- 
ject the fostering of Williams spirit and the extension of 
its influence to create and maintain whatever is for the 
best welfare of the college." 

Standing on the highest point of the campus is West 
College. This building was first used for the free school. 
It was built in 1790, and stands in Main street. In the 
early days the walk went through the center of the build- 
ing. About 18.54 this was changed to its present location 
at each end of the building. From 1793 to 1797 West Col- 
lege contained dormitory, dining hall, library, recitation 
rooms and the chapel, the latter in the south end of the 
building. 

Professor A. L. Perry, in "Williamstown and Williams 
College" gives a detailed description of West College from 
which we quote the following: "The original twelve win- 
dows on the south end of the building were wider than the 
corresponding sixteen on the northern end, partly because 
the kitchen and dining room were on the first floor of the 
south end, and especially because the chapel occupied the 
second and third floors directly above these, while the 

Page twenty-eight 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




WEST COLLEGE 

northern end on all the stories was cut wholly into dormi- 
tories. Originally the broad hallway passed through the 
building east and west. The lower halhvay was wide 
enough for two stairways ascending to the second floor in 
opposite directions from either outer opening or doorway. 
From the second to the third stories, and from the third 
to the fourth, there was but one staircase each. These 
were on the south side of the hall. So much space was 
accordingly left on the north side, that the first library of 
the college was kept there, close by the door of entrance 
to the dormitory room No. 11, in which room William Cul- 
len Bryant slept and studied while he was a member of 
college. 

"On the southern end of the building may still be seen 
a memorial of the original five-feet-wide windows there. 

Page ticcniy-nine 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



in the form of upright bricks placed horizontally to fill out 
to that width above each window of the twelve the space 
of eighteen inches of new wall by which each window was 
shortened up on its west side." 

In the belfry hung a bell which was rung at sunrise 
for morning chapel, and later in the day for study hours, 
recitations, and again in the evening for prayers. This 
bell was given by David Noble, a trustee of the college in 
1793. The chapel remained in West College until Griffin 
Hall was built in 1828. 

Edward Clark Hall is just beyond West College. The 
original building bearing this name was erected in 1881. 
It was of stone, and stood on an eminence in front of the 
Commons. The present building was erected in 1908. 
A tablet placed in the main hall bears the following in- 
scription: "This building replaces the original structure 
on another site, the gift to Williams College in 1882 of 
Edward Clark, LL.D., alumnus 1831, trustee, 1878-1882. 
Rebuilt by his four grandsons and their mother in 1908." 

The first floor is devoted to the Geological Museum, 
and is open to the public each day of the college year 
from 9 a. m. to 12 m., and from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m. In ad- 
dition to the collection of choice specimens of minerals, 
rocks and fossils, is an exhibit of semi-precious and precious 
stones, said to be the largest and most varied collection 
owned by any college or university in the country. 

Just beyond Clark Hall is the Faculty Club, formerly 
the home of the Chi Psi fraternitv. 



Paiic thirty-one 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




WILLIAMS INN 



Returning to the Thompson Memorial chapel we find a 
street leading to Williams Inn, a small home-like hotel open 
all the year. It was originally the residence of Professor 
Dodd; afterwards used as a boarding house. Later it 
was bought by a corporation composed of alumni of the 
college, and many improvements were made. There are two 
houses used in connection with the main building. The 
first of these formerly stood on the site of Grace Hall, and 
was occupied by Mark Hopkins after he resigned the presi- 
dency of the college. The second was for many years oc- 
cupied by the late Dr. E. B. Parsons. 

The house just back of the chapel was moved from 
Main street when Hopkins Hall was built. It was the 
first president's residence acquired by the college, and 

Page thirty-two 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



was occupied by Presidents Griffin and Hopkins. The 
part now used as a kitchen was formerly the office of the 
president. 

Hopkins Hall, the administrative building, was erect- 
ed in memory of President Mark Hopkins in the year 1890. 

An unobstructed view of The Dome and Domelet, 
parts of the Green Mountain range, is to be had from this 
part of the campus. 

Between Hopkins Hall and the Congregational Church, 
some distance back from the street, is the Sigma Phi fra- 
ternity house. This was built from the materials of the 
Old VanRensselaer House, originally occupying a site in 
Albany, N. Y. It was purchased by the members of this 
fraternity, moved here and reconstructed after the original 
plans. The first house built by the fraternity was on 
Spring street and is now occupied by H. C. Walden. The 
first house built by them on the present site was burned 
in 1893. 

The First Congregational Church of Williamstown 
was organized by the proprietors of the town in the year 
1765. The first "meeting-house" was built in 1768, and 
was located at the upper end of Main street in "the square" 
now known as Field Memorial Park. The second "meet- 
ing-house" was erected in 1798, on the old site and was 
destroyed by fire in 1866. It was then decided to change 
the location and the present site on Main street was 
chosen. Here was erected a brick structure planned to 
accommodate the crowds attending the college com- 
mencement, as well as for church services. 

With the completion of Grace Hall auditorium the 
college need of the church, as a place for commencement 



Page thirty- jour 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWX 



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CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

exercises, ceased. The church was larger than needed by 
the congregation, and the style of architecture unsuited 
to the location and surroundings. Plans for remodelling 
or rebuilding were considered. A new site was offered by 
the college as well as a contribution toward a new church 
if accepted, but the parishioners were not in favor of chang- 
ing the location. Then Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cluett 
came forward with the generous offer to rebuild the church 
at their own expense, and to them the town is indebted for 
the beautiful colonial edifice occupying this site. The 
church was dedicated September 27th, 1914. 

There is a fine organ in the church which was pre- 
sented by Mr. and Mrs. George Alfred Cluett. 

Until the year 1834 the college and town united in 
worship in the Congregational church. In that year an 

Vaqe tJiirly-five 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



independent church was formed in the college, whic h exists 
at the present time. 

Grace Hall, the gift of the Hon. A. C. Chapin, class of 
1869, was completed in 1912, and presented to the college 
at commencement time by the donor, in memory of his 
wife Grace Chapin. The architecture is of the early 
Georgian style, as it is found in the collegiate centers of 
England. All the richness of decoration is confined to 
the interior where the woodwork is of the most elaborate 
type. On the wall at the rear of the stage is a magnificent 
piece of Flemish tapestry of the 16th century, portraying 
the triumph of David, and bearing the inscription "Fran- 
ciscus Spiringius fecit." 

The hall contains a four manual and echo organ of 
eighty-eight stops, with movable console, which ranks 
among the finest organs in the country. This hall is used 
for commencement exercises, and all large gatherings con- 
nected with college life. 

Williams Hall, the dormitory near Grace Hall was 
completed in June, 1912, and has accommodations for 
about ninety-six students. The building was erected as 
an investment for the fund raised by the alumni to in- 
crease the salaries of the professors. 

Just back of Grace Hall in Mission Park stands 
the Haystack Monument, which marks the birthplace of 
foreign missions. 

The College cemetery adjoins Mission Park. 
Here are buried many who were connected with the col- 
lege, among them the first president. Rev. Ebenezer 
Fitch, and Rev. Mark Hopkins, fourth president of the 
college, — also Rev. Henry Hopkins, who died in 1908. 

Page thirty-seven 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



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PRESIDENT'S HOUSE 



On Main street beyond the church is the house oc- 
cupied by the college president. This was built in 1801, 
by General Samuel Sloan. It was bought by Nathan 
Jackson who presented it to the college for a president's 
house. At the time it was built it "surpassed in size and 
elegance any house in the town." Some additions and al- 
terations have been made at different times, but the main 
part is practically the same as when built. The front 
doorway is especially beautiful in design. 

Just beyond the grounds surrounding the President's 
house is Park street, on which stands St. John's Episcopal 
Church, built of cobble stones from neighboring fields. 
In this church was baptised on May '2nd, 1915, Francis 
Woodrow Sayre, grandson of President Wilson. 



B-' 



Page fhirfy-tnne 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



Next to the church is the Friendship House used for 
social gatherings. Just beyond are the home of the rector. 
Rev. J. Franklin Carter, the Theta Delta Chi fraternity 
house, then several private residences. Beyond these, set 
back from the street, is the Psi Upsilon fraternity. On 
the right side of the street set in the park is the old infirm- 
ary, and just beyond is the new brick infirmary, erected in 
1911, the gift of Mrs. Mary Clark Thompson. This build- 
ing is fire-proof and fitted with all modern facilities, in- 
cluding an X-ray apparatus. There is also an isolated 
contagion ward. During the college year the building is 
in charge of a matron and resident nurse. 

Further on, this street joins the main road to Ver- 
mont and New York states. 

On the north side of Main street beyond Park street 
are several private houses all of which were built many 
years ago. They are now occupied by members of the 
college faculty. The house next to the Greylock Hotel 
was used as a boarding house in 1854 and Frederick Ferris 
Thompson took his meals there part of the time while in 
college. 

The Greylock Hotel was built in 1873. The annex 
was brought from across the street to its present site. 
The first "Inn" of the town was built on this site in 1780, 
when the whole town centered around the "square", and 
was known as the "Mansion House". The old house 
burned in 1870. 



Page forty 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWX 




GREYLOCK HOTEL 



On the south side of Main street just beyond the Facul- 
ty Club is Hoxsey street, named for S. V. R. Hoxsey, who 
owned considerable land in this neighborhood. 

On the corner of Hoxsey and Main streets is the home 
of the Chi Psi fraternity. Just beyond is the Delta Kappa 
Epsilon fraternity house, and bevond that the Phi Delta 
Theta. 

Stetson Place, named for Francis Lynde Stetson, is a 
short street opened a few years ago. The Beta Theta Pi 
fraternity house is located on the west side of this street. 

The Alpha Delta Phi house occupies a large plot of 
ground on Main street and just beyond on the corner of 
Main and South streets is the Zeta Psi house. 

Main street is here divided by Field Park. Con- 
Page forfy-one 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



tinuing on the south side we pass the Delta Psi house, or 
St. Anthony Hall, and next to that the private residence 
of Mr. N. H. Sabin, beyond which is the beginning of 
Glen street. 

On the other side of the park stands the Kappa Alpha 
Lodge, formerly the summer home of Mr. Harley T. Proc- 
tor, A little further on after descending a steep incline 
we come to a drive which leads into Fort Hoosac Place. 
On the corner is a gambrel-roofed house occupied by Mr. 
and Mrs. Francis B. Sayre. In the yard is a walnut tree 
planted by President Wilson for his infant grandson, Fran- 
cis Woodrow Sayre, at the time of his christening. May 
2nd, 1915. The tree was presented by Harry A. Garfield, 
President of Williams College. 

Continuing, this street crosses "Doctor Brook,"" so 
called when the first village doctor lived in the house across 
the bridge, next to WVstlawn cemetery. 

In this cemetery are buried many of the early settlers 
of Williamstown whose names are connected with its 
history. 

Proceeding we come to the summer residence of 
Mr. Alvah K. Laurie, formerly known as the Danforth 
homestead. The view from this point is one of the finest 
in the town. 

Beyond, the road leads over Petersburg mountain 
into New York state. On this mountain, some distance 
from the highway, is a cavern about fifty feet deep, known 
as "snow hole," as it contains several feet of snow through- 
out the year, and visitors to the spot often indulge in snow- 
balling their companions even on a hot day in summer. 
The ways and by-ways committee of the College Good 
Government Club have recently blazed a trail and put 
up markers to aid "hikers"' in finding the place. This 
same committee have also blazed and marked trails on 
other mountains about the town. 



Page forty-two 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



Going back to Field Park and following Glen street 
we are led to the juncture of Cold Spring and Bee Hill 
roads. By following the latter quite a way up the hill one 
will find a path leading to a wild and beautiful spot in the 
woods known as Flora's Glen where tradition says William 
Cullen Bryant received the inspiration for his best work, 
"Thanatopsis." 

In contradiction to this tradition we find that Richard 
Henry Stoddard, in the introduction to his work entitled 
"Bryant's Poetical Works," quotes "The Bryant Home- 
stead Book" (1870) as authority that the poem "Thana- 
topsis" was composed at Cummington, Mass., the birth- 
place of the author, the year after leaving Williams 
College. 

The Cold Spring road is one of WilliamstoAvn's most 
beautiful drives. It leads to Torrey's woods, a natural 
forest, through which the road winds in an enchanting 
way. Arriving at the school house one may turn to the 
left and continue to South Williamstown, returning from 
there by the Green River road. Or, one may continue be- 
yond the school house, through another wooded drive, 
make a turn to the right, and come back to the town over 
the Bee Hill road, which affords one of the most charm- 
ing views of the "Hopper" and Greylock mountain, the 
highest point in the state. In 1799 the Bee Hill road be- 
came a part of the public turnpike between Troy, N. Y., 
and Greenfield, Mass., connecting in North Adams with 
the road over Hoosac Mountain. 

To reach the Taconic Golf Club grounds we follow 
South street which has its beginning at Field Park. Near 
the corner of Main street is the Pilgrim Inn. This house 
originally stood opposite the Greylock hotel on the corner 

Page forty-three 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



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BARDWELL HOUSE 

of North and Main streets, and was moved to its present 
location about 1875. 

The house just beyond is the summer home of Mrs. 
John B. Kellogg. This formerly belonged to the Sigma Phi 
fraternity and its original site was on Main street. 

Opposite this is the home of Mrs. John B. Gale sur- 
rounded with beautiful shrubbery and well kept lawn. 

Just beyond is the home of Prof. S. F, Clarke. Ad- 
joining this property is the residence occupied by Dr. 
Franklin Carter, former president of the college. 

Standing next to this, surrounded by a hedge, is the 
home of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. 

The small white house next to the Golf Club grounds 
is known as the Bardwell house, occupied by Mrs. Me- 
hitable Bardwell about 1806. She was much interested in 

Page forty-four 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 











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RUSTIC SEAT ON STONE KILL ROAD 

the early religious movement in the town, and at her invi- 
tation some of the students met at her home every Satur- 
day evening for prayer-meetings. Among these students 
were the five men whose names are connected with the 
Haystack Monument. This house formerly occupied a 
site on Main street, where the President's house stands, 
but was moved to its present location in 1801. 

From the Club House veranda one gets a view of the 
city of North Adams and a glimpse of the Mohawk trail over 
Hoosac Mountain. A little to the right in the distance 
are the summer homes of E. C. Gale, James M. Ide, 
George P. Ide, Robert Cluett, and G. A. Cluett, all resi- 
dents of Troy, N. Y. The mountain view beyond is 
known as "the Hopper." 

Opposite the Club House, is the summer home of E. 
P. Mann, of Troy. Continuing past the golf grounds 

Page forty-five 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 





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SMEDLEY HOUSE 

and ascending Stone Hill we see nestled on the mountain 
side, the summer home of Bentley W. Warren of Boston, 
a trustee of Williams College. The walk over Stone Hill 
takes one through beautiful woods, with rocky cliffs at 
some points. This road in olden days was the only route 
from the state of Vermont to the southern part of the 
county. 

North street has its beginning at the Grey lock Hotel. 
Here are located the Delta Upsilon and Phi Gamma Delta 
fraternity houses. The road further on joins Buckley 
street where there are several large summer homes, and 
this leads to Northwest Hill, a very sightly spot. This 
road continues to Pownal, Vt. 

The most interesting old house in town is on the lower 
Page forty-six 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




MINISTER'S HOUSE 
South Williamstown Road 

end of Main street, just beyond Eastlawn cemetery. It 
was built in 1772, by Nehemiah Smedley, and has con- 
tinued to be occupied by his descendants to the present 
day. In the cellar is a large built-in stone oven, in which 
bread was baked for the soldiers, the eldest son of Nehe- 
miah Smedley taking the bread to Bennington to feed the 
troops the day after the battle of August 16th, 1777. On 
the back part of the house are the original hand-made 
clapboards, put on with hand-wrought nails. 

Another old house is on the lower pait of Main street, 
the second house below the Baptist church. It is known 
as the Sherman homestead. The "L" is the original 
"regulation" house and was Iniilt in 17G5. 



Page forty-seven 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




BROAD BROOK NEAR SAND SPRINGS 



The Colonial house on the corner of Main and South- 
worth streets was built about 1795 by Daniel Day. The 
long pillars on either side of the doorway were carved 
from solid tree trunks. These pillars and other ornamen- 
tal parts of the house were made near Boston and trans- 
ported over Hoosac Mountain by ox-tearas. 

On the Green River road going toward South Wil- 
liamstown, we pass the house occupied by the Rev. Seth 
Swift when he became the minister here in 1779. He also 
planted the large pine tree which stands on the lawn and 
which designated it as the minister's residence. The house 
is a gambrel-roofed structure, and stands on the lot origi- 
nally set aside for the minister of the town. 

Among the places to be reached by trolley from Wil- 

Page forty-eight 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



liamstown are Pownal and Bennington in the state of Ver- 
mont. The ride is one of the most beautiful in this region. 
This trip takes one past a suburb of Williamstown 
known as White Oaks, so called because in the early days 
there was much white timber growing there. Broad 
Brook is a very beautiful little stream which here comes 
down the mountain side and farther on flows into the 
Hoosac river. 

The trolley makes a stop at Sand Springs Grove, which 
is used for picnics. A driveway leads to the famous Sand 
Springs, a health resort for the Indians of the Five Na- 
tions, and for white men since 1762. The water bubbles 
up through fine sand flowing 400 gallons per minute, and 
has a mean temperature throughout the year of 76 de- 
grees. The water is absolutely free from lime, and is 
very beneficial to those troubled with diseases of the blood. 
This water is used in the manufacture of Sand Springs 
ginger ale. Bath houses and plunge baths have been 
erected here. There is a hotel on the grounds which is 
open during the summer season. 



Pa'jr forty-nine 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



ITEMS OF INTEREST CONNECTED WITH 
WILLIAMS COLLEGE 

Amos Eaton, one of the first natural scientists in the 
country was graduated with the class of 1799. He taught 
in the college for many years and while here constructed a 
theory concerning the geological formation of the Taconic 
range which still stands approved. 

William Cullen Bryant, member of the class of 1813, 
roomed in West College. His roommate, John Averj^ 
went to Yale in his sophomore year, and Bryant, 
with the intention of following him, received honorable 
dismissal from the college, but pecuniary affairs pre- 
vented him from going to Yale. In one of his pub- 
lished letters he said that he wished he had remained at 
Williams as the expenses were less and he could prob- 
ably have completed his course here. In 1819 he was 
given the honorary degree of M. A. In 1863 he was placed 
in full standing in his class, and his name enrolled as a 
regular alumnus of the college. 

Williams Alumni — The Society of the Alumni of Wil- 
liams College was organized commencement day 1821. 
Asa Burbank, class of 1797, was made the first president. 
John Woodbridge, class of 1804, delivered the first oration 
in 1823. 

Nathaniel Hawthorne spent one summer in this vi- 
cinity in 1838, and attended commencement at Williams 
College Aug. 15th. In his "Passages from American note- 
books" there is a full account of the doings of the day in 
the town, although not much of commencement itself. 
In this book he speaks of visiting a marble quarry near 
North Adams, where he saw the disk of a sun dial "as 
large as the top of a hogshead," and learned that the dial 

Page fifty 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWX 



was to be set up near the old observatory. It is still in exist- 
ence and it is hoped that the trustees or alumni will see 
fit to restore it to its former place. 

James A. Garfield, twentieth president of the United 
States, was graduated in the class of 1856. He roomed in 
West and South College dormitories during the years he 
spent here. He taught in the school in Pownal, Vt., and 
also at times on Sundays preached in Pownal, as well as 
in Berlin and Petersburg, N. Y., situated on the other side 
of the Taconic range. 

The Royal Purple, Williams color, was adopted in 
1865. From a letter written by Mr. Eugene M. Jerome, 
of the class of 1867, and published in Williams Alumni Re- 
view in 1910, we quote the following: "Early in the sum- 
mer of 1865 the Williams base-ball team were leaving for 
the final game of the series against Harvard, and my sister 
and a cousin of mine, learning that Harvard had adopted 
the Magenta as its college color, while Williams had none, 
went and bought some royal purple ribbon and made small 
rosettes. Pinning one on each member of the team, they 
said: 'Let this Royal Purple be the Williams color, and may 
it bring you victory over Harvard.' The game was hand- 
somely won and the Royal Purple floated from the mast- 
head the next day." 

Eugene Field was a member of the class of 187''2, but 
only completed his sophomore year, leaving college in 
1870. 

Charles Cuthhert Hall was a graduate of the class of 
187'-2. He preached the dedication sermon in the Thomp- 
son Memorial Chapel. 

The induction of President Harry A. Garfield took 
place on October 7th, 1908, the one hundred and fifteenth 
anniversary of the founding of the college. The exercises 

Page fifty-one 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWX 



were attended by representatives from colleges and uni- 
versities from all parts of the United States. 

The Faculty at the present time numbers between 
fifty and sixty. The number of students is about five 
hundred. 

Gargoyle Gate, built in 1904, is at the entrance of 
Weston Field, where all athletic sports take place. We 
quote from the Williams Record of Nov. l-ith, 1904-: "The 
erection of a formal entrance to Weston Field is the be- 
ginning of an effort to make this part of the campus at- 
tractive and striking." The stone used in its construction 
was from Goodrich Hall which formerly stood on the pres- 
ent chapel site. 

The amount of money expended for buildings on the 
campus from June 1, 1904, to June 1, 1912, w^as $1,339,- 
431.51. This included the building of Clark Hall, Grace 
Hall, and the Chapel. 

The stone used in building Morgan Hall, Goodrich 
Hall, Lasell Gymnasium, and Hopkins Observatory, was 
procured from the stone ledge on Bee Hill, which can be 
seen from the Cold Spring road. The stone in the lower 
part of Currier Hall was obtained near North Adams. 
The bricks used in West and East Colleges, were made in 
town, supposedly on property now owned by the Kappa 
Alpha fraternity, as signs of a former brick kiln were dis- 
covered there several years ago. 

One of the most festive occasions at Williams is desig- 
nated as the "week of the 30th," and takes place in May. 
It is the time of the Sophomore Prom, and house parties, 
with base ball games, dramatics, etc., following each other 
in hurried succession. 



Page fifty-three 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



The "Alpine Club of Williamstown," the first or- 
ganization in the United States for mountain climbing, 
was formed by Prof. Albert Hopkins in May, 1864. The 
object of the club was "to explore the interesting places in 
the vicinity, to become acquainted to some extent at least, 
with the natural history of the localities." 

While this club no longer exists in the college, a day 
in October is annually set aside for mountain climbing, 
and is known as Mountain Day. Many of the students 
climb Greylock mountain on this day, by the Hopper trail, 
or going by trolley to Cheshire and climbing from that point. 
A steel tower was erected on the summit in 1889. From 
this tower seventy-two mountain peaks can be seen. The 
height of Greylock is 3,505 feet above sea level. The 
State Reservation includes more than 8,000 acres. A 
small house is located at the summit and occupied by the 
family of the superintendent of the reservation. A few 
rooms are reserved for the accommodation of mountain 
climbers who may wish to remain over night and view the 
sunrise. This house is open from May until late in the 
fall. 



Page fifty-four 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWX 



To give one an idea of the College life in the early 
days we quote from a letter written by William Hyde, 
class of 1826, at the request of Prof. A. L. Perry, and pub- 
lished by him in "^Yilliamstown and Williams College:"' 
"When I entered college in 1822 Dr. Griffin had been presi- 
dent but one year. The number of students was small. 
Many had left with Dr. Moore for Amherst and other col- 
leges. The senior class numbered only seven. The col- 
lege had been under a cloud and its continuance in doubt. 
We entered a class of about twenty-five. The only college 
buildings were the West College, and the East College, 
(since burned) and a small wooden building used by Prof. 
Dewey for chemistry. Blackboards were not known in 
my college course. W^e drew our diagrams on paper anfl 
used slates in algebra; while Prof. Dewey drew his illus- 
trations and worked his problems with chalk on the floor 
of the recitation room, when lecturing on natural philo- 
sophy and astronomy. There was not a carpet on any 
floor, except in the room of the excellent Prof. Kellogg in 
the West College. He had an open Franklin stove, and 
close box stoves were in the recitation rooms; in all other 
rooms open fire places. The chapel, then in West college, 
had one stove, but no fire in it when we went to prayers at 
6 o'clock on cold winter mornings. The scriptures were 
read by the light of tallow candles and the prayers were 
none too short. The students were generally poor; many, 
like myself, the sons of ministers with scanty salaries and 
large families. Economy was necessary and easily prac- 
tised. We bought wood at $2 per cord, cut it ourselves 
and carried it to our rooms. Prof. Kellogg did the same. 
This was exercise and amusement. We had no base ball 
or boating clul)s, but kicked foot ball. Washing cost about 

Page fifty-five 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



17 cents per week. I paid usually $1.17 per week for 
board. Livery bills were small and cigars seldom seen. 
There were two professors, Dewey and Kellogg, with sal- 
aries of $800. Tutors were employed for a year or two at 
$400. We worshipped with the town in the church. Dr. 
Griffin supplied every third Sabbath, when Mr. Gridley 
preached at South Williamstown, and frequently at other 
times. He was called the "prince of preachers." There 
were two or three seasons of special religious interest in 
my time in college. Dr. Griffin preached with great power 
in the church, in the chapel, and in the school houses pack- 
ed full. The candles would go out for want of oxygen, 
so great was the press. The whole town was moved as 
was the college. Many were converted who have been 
prominent in the ministry and as missionaries. I never 
heard such powerful presentation of truth." 

OLD CUSTOMS AT WILLIAMS 

Chip Day — "Our recreation days were two during 
the year, one in the spring called 'chip day,' when we raked 
up the chips and cleaned the college grounds. The other 
day was called 'tree day' when we set out trees. Most of 
the trees about the college grounds and up and down the 
Main street were set out by the students under the su- 
pervision of Professor Albert Hopkins. Another day was 
called 'gravel day' when we gravelled the walks and the 
fines of those who did not work paid for the teams." 

Boyhood reminiscences, by Keyes Danforfh. 



Page fifty-six 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWX 




HAYSTACK MONUMENT 



Page fifty-seven 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



HAYSTACK PRAYER MEETING 

In the spring of 1805 there was a religious revival in 
Williamstown. A few of the college students came under 
the influence of this movement and used to meet in the 
open fields for prayer meetings. One place of meeting 
was under a large willow tree some distance south of West 
College. A number of willows now mark this spot on 
Walden street, offshoots of the original tree, which was 
struck by lightning and partially destroyed in ISG^. 

Another place of meeting was in a grove of maples 
on Sloan's meadow to the north of West College. During 
one of these meetings a thunder shower forced the students 
to take shelter under a haystack which happened to be 
near. That which took place at this meeting is best told 
in a letter written by Byram Green, one of the men present. 
This letter is published in full in "Williamstown and Wil- 
liams College" by A. L. Perry, and from it the following is 
quoted: 

"The prayer-meeting becomes interesting to the 
Christian community, because it was then and there pro- 
posed to send the Gospel to the pagans of Asia, and to the 
disciples of Mohammed. Samuel J. Mills, and James 
Richards, Francis L. Robbins, Harvey Loomis, and Byram 
Green were present. The afternoon was oppressively 
warm. * * * * ^y^ j^fj^ ^\^^ grove and went under 
the haystack to protect us from the approaching storm. 

The subject of conversation under the haystack was 
the moral darkness of Asia. Mills proposed to send the 
Gospel to that "dark and heathen land, and said that we 
could do it if we would." 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



Years afterward, when the haystack prayer meeting 
had become famous in the history of missions, Byram 
Green, the writer of the letter just quoted, came to Wil- 
liamstown, and in company with Prof. Albert Hopkins 
walked over the meadow for the purpose of locating the 
place where the haystack had been. Although the years 
had done much to change the appearance of the place, 
Mr. Green, remembering certain old maple trees, was 
able to locate the spot. This is now marked by a suitable 
monument which was presented to the college by Hon. 
Harvey Rice, of Cleveland, Ohio, class of 1824. The 
monument was dedicated with appropriate services on 
July 28th, 1867. 

The commencement exercises always include a mis- 
sionary service around this monument, which is attended 
by many noted preachers and missionaries. 



Page fifty-nine 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 



The following are selected from the "Songs of Wil- 
liams" as being of most interest to visitors, and most fre- 
quently heard: 

THE MOUNTAINS 
Dr. Washington Gladden, '59 
O proudly rise the monarchs of our mountain land 
With their kingly forest robes to the sky. 
Where Alma Mater dwelleth with her chosen band. 
And the peaceful river floweth gently by. 

Chorus — 
The mountains! the mountainsi we greet them with a 

song, 
Whose echoes, rebounding their woodland heights along, 
Shall mingle with anthems that winds and mountains sing. 
Till hill and valley gaily, gaily ring. 

Beneath their peaceful shadows may old Williams stand 
Till sun and mountains nevermore shall be. 
The glory and the honor of our mountain land. 
And the dwelling of the gallant and the free. 

This is the oldest American college song written by 
an undergraduate, and is known as "Williams Hymn". 

ALMA MATER SONG 

D. W. Marrin, "01 
Come, raise a song to Alma Mater 

As from her temples we repair. 
And on her altar lay our offerings 

Ere we leave her tender care. 
Chorus — Hail to Williams! our Alma Mater! 
To our mother tried and true 
May we ever stand at her own right hand 
And do what she bids us to do. 



Page sixty 



A DAY IX WILLIAMSTOWN 



2 
Where'er the tide of life may bear us, 

Although we wander far from home. 
Whenever Alma Mater calls us, 

May we hear her voice and come. 



THE ROYAL PURPLE 

F. W. Memmott, '95 F. D. Goodwin, '95 

If you ask us why our mother 

Took the purple for her choice, 
And why each loyal brother 

At its beauty should rejoice, 
'Tis because this color choosing, 

Wise monarchs wear with pride. 
And when our boys seem losing. 

The purple stems the tide. 

Chorus — 
Some vaunt the crimson, some the blue. 

And some their honest green; 
We're to the regal color true 

Of Berkshire's peerless queen. 
Tho' rivals fain would scorn it — 

And mingle it with white — 
It's the grand old Royal Purple 

And we triumph in its might. 

They may drive us back by inches, 

W^e strive to get the ball; 
We hold our own by clinches. 

Their gains are always small; 
Their rushes may be clever. 

Their interference fine; 
Then comes their last endeavor, 

W'e're on our "Five-yard Line." 

Page sixty-one 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWX 



COME FILL YOUR GLASSES UP 

Harry S. Patterson, '96 

(To the tune of Sousa's "Corcoran Cadets") 
Come fill your glasses up 

To Williams, to Williams, to Williams; 
Come fill your loving cup 

To Williams, to Williams, to Williams; 
We will drink the wine to-night, 

Drink the wine that makes hearts light; 
Come fill your glasses up. 

To Williams, to Williams, to Williams. 

Come sing our marching song 

To Williams, to Williams, to Williams; 
Sing as we march along 

From Williams, from Williams, from Willis 
We will rally on Pratt field. 

We will make our rivals yield; 
Victory shall crown the shield 

Of Williams, of Williams, of Williams. 



Page sixty-two 



A DAY IN WILLIAMSTOWN 




Page sixty-three 



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